There are many different types of disabilities in the United States. Someone can be disabled because of a mental condition that they have or a disease that they’ve contracted. Some disabilities are essentially invisible, while others are very obvious. You never want to assume anything when it comes to the severity of a disability or how it impacts someone’s life.
That being said, it is interesting to note that researchers have sought out the most common functional disability in the U.S. What they found is that trouble climbing stairs or walking tops the list. Essentially, mobility concerns were cited in the greatest share of cases – roughly 13%.
Why are these so common?
Mobility concerns are so common because they can stem from a wide variety of different ailments.
For instance, someone who suffers a spinal cord injury in a car accident may have limited mobility while they heal. Spinal cord accidents don’t always completely heal, so they could even wind up having to deal with this limitation for the rest of their life.
At the same time, someone who is born with cerebral palsy may also have mobility issues. This condition is caused by damage done to the brain through a lack of oxygen. The spinal cord itself isn’t damaged, but the result could be very similar to the person who was injured in a car accident.
Additionally, a disability needs to be something that keeps a person from working if they are applying for benefits. Mobility issues can very quickly make it impossible for someone to pursue their chosen career.
If you do find yourself in this position, be sure you know about all the legal options at your disposal. Disability claims can be convoluted, and legal guidance can help you figure the way through to a successful outcome.